அரத்தால் தேய்க்கப்படும் இரும்பு தேய்வது போல, உட்பகை கொண்ட குடு்ம்‌பமும் கட்சியும் அரசும் தமக்கும் பொருது தம் பலம் இழக்கும்.

அரத்தினால் தேய்க்கப்படும் இரும்பின் வடிவமும் வலிமையும் குறைவதைப் போல, உட்பகை உண்டான குலத்தின் வலிமையும் தேய்ந்து குறைந்து விடும்

உட்பகை உண்டான குடி அரத்தினால் தேய்க்கப் பட்ட இரும்பு போல் வலிமை குறைக்கப் பட்டு தேய்ந்து போகும்.

A family subject to internal hatred will wear out and lose its strength like iron that has been filed away

This Thirukkural verse 888 emphasizes the destructive impact of internal conflict and discord within a family or group. It compares a family riddled with internal feuds to a piece of iron that gradually wears away when continuously filed. Just as the iron loses its shape and strength due to the constant filing, a family embroiled in disagreements and hatred will lose its unity and strength over time. The underlying message of this verse is the importance of harmony and unity within a family or group. It highlights that internal disputes and enmity can erode the stability and strength of a family, just as continuous filing can wear down a piece of iron. It is a cautionary reminder of the detrimental effects of internal discord and the importance of maintaining peace and unity within any collective group, be it a family, a community, or a nation. This is a universal principle that applies beyond the family unit and can be extended to organizations, societies, and nations. The strength of any group lies in its unity and the ability of its members to work together towards common goals. When this unity is disrupted by internal strife, the group's strength and prosperity are inevitably diminished.